The demonstrations soon expanded to include the long-standing desire of Iranians for rights, justice, and political and social space. The regime had cut down mass protests after the disputed 2009 Presidential election; in 2017 and 2019 over economic conditions; and in 2022 over “Woman, Life, Freedom” after the death in police custody of Mahsa Amini. The following day, the Supreme Leader issued his order to the Supreme National Security Council: crush the protests by any means necessary. “Two Iranian officials briefed” on the directive said security forces were deployed to shoot to kill and to show no mercy. Throughout the following day and over the weekend, the Iranian military, paramilitary Basij, and security personnel unleashed their full assault.